Elastomeric tape with enhanced stretch characteristics

ABSTRACT

An elastomeric tape having a shape configuration that provides an enhanced longitudinal stretch characteristic is provided herein. The exemplary tape comprises a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first side and a second side opposite the first side where the first side comprises a series of alternating peaks and troughs and the second side comprises a series of alternating peaks and troughs.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an elastomeric tape used, for example,to reinforce and/or bond seams or hems of an article, where theelastomeric tape has a shape configuration that imparts an enhancedstretch characteristic to the tape and to the seams once affixed.

BACKGROUND

Traditional elastomeric tapes used, for example, to affix seams or hemsof an article and/or to reinforce an already-affixed seam or hemgenerally have a shape configuration comprising a top surface, a bottomsurface, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side wherethe first and second sides are linear and are in parallel alignment witheach other. Although these types of tapes may exhibit some degree ofstretch along their longitudinal axes due to their material composition,the degree of stretch is typically limited. Because of the limitedlongitudinal stretch characteristics of traditional tapes, the seams onwhich the tapes are used generally exhibit low stretch characteristics.For seams located on, for example, an article of apparel, this mayresult in wearer discomfort when the wearer moves or is donning ordoffing the apparel item. Moreover, when a tension force is applied tothe seam of the article that exceeds the limited degree of stretch ofthe tape, the tape may break and/or become unaffixed from the seam witha resultant loss in seam integrity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter. The present invention is defined by the claims.

At a high level, aspects herein are directed towards an exemplaryelastomeric tape having an enhanced stretch characteristic along alongitudinal axis of the tape in response to a stretch force. Theenhanced stretch characteristic is due to the shape configuration of thetape as well as the inherent stretch characteristics of the materialused to form the tape. In general, the tape comprises a first surfaceand a second surface opposite the first surface. Continuing, the tapehas a first side having a shape configuration comprising a first seriesof alternating peaks and troughs, and a second side opposite the firstside where the second side has a second series of alternating peaks andtroughs. To impart the enhanced stretch characteristic, the tape may beconfigured such that a peak on the first side is aligned across thewidth of the tape with a trough on the second side, and a trough on thefirst side is aligned across the width of the tape with a peak on thesecond side.

Continuing, by having the shape configuration as described, theexemplary elastomeric tape may longitudinally stretch to a greaterdegree in response to a stretch force as compared to elastomeric tapeshaving linear sides in parallel alignment. This is because the shapeconfiguration described herein provides a longer linear distance that“rotates” or translates into the axis of stretch to provide additionallength to the tape. Thus, when the elastomeric tape described herein isused to bond and/or reinforce an article seam or an article hem, theseam or hem is able to undergo a greater degree of stretch along itslongitudinal axis while still maintaining the integrity of the tape.This not only improves the usability of the article but also allows seamand/or hem integrity to be maintained under higher degrees of mechanicalstretch as compared to seams or hems bonded or reinforced withtraditional seam tapes. Moreover, when the article is in the form of anapparel item, wearer comfort is improved due to the greater degree ofstretch at the seams and/or hems.

Aspects herein further relate to a method of manufacturing anelastomeric tape having enhanced stretch characteristic. The method maycomprise providing an elastomeric tape having a first surface, a secondsurface opposite the first surface, a first side, and a second sideopposite the first side where the first side and the second side arelinear and are in parallel alignment with each other. The elastomerictape is then cut using, for example, a die cutter having twocomplementary die cutting wheels such that the first side has a shapeconfiguration comprising a first series of alternating peaks and troughsand the second side has a shape configuration comprising a second seriesof alternating peaks and troughs. In an exemplary aspect, the tape maybe cut such that a peak on the first side of the tape is aligned acrossthe width of the tape with a trough on the second side of the tape, anda trough on the first side of the tape is aligned across the width ofthe tape with a peak on the second side.

The method may further comprise, for instance, rolling the cut tape ontoa roller, using the roller to apply the cut elastomeric tape to one ormore hems or seams of an article and activating the tape such that it isadhered to the one or more hems or seams. The activation of the tape maybe through a heat process, a chemical process, light, ultrasound,mechanical pressure, and the like.

Aspects may also relate to an article having an elastomeric tape thatprovides enhanced stretch characteristic at one or more seams and/orhems of the article. The article may be in the form of, for instance, anarticle of apparel for an upper or a lower torso of a wearer, abackpack, a duffel bag, a purse, a shoe, and the like. With respect toseams, the article may comprise at least a first panel of material and asecond panel of material where the second panel abuts the first panel atone or seams. In exemplary aspects, the seams and/or hems may bestraight, curved, or irregular. In exemplary aspects the article mayfurther comprise the elastomeric tape having the shape configurationdescribed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the present invention are described in detail below withreference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a plan view of an exemplary configuration for anexemplary elastomeric tape in a non-stretched state in accordance withan aspect herein;

FIG. 1B illustrates a plan view of the exemplary configuration for theexemplary elastomeric tape of FIG. 1A in a stretched state in accordancewith an aspect herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an exemplary elastomeric tape inaccordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary elastomeric tape bonding and/orreinforcing a seam in accordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates cross-section taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 inaccordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary article of apparel for an upper torsoof a wearer having a seam and/or a hem bonded and/or reinforced with anexemplary elastomeric tape in accordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary sleeve of the article of apparel ofFIG. 5A having a hem bonded and/or reinforced with an exemplaryelastomeric tape in accordance with an aspect herein;

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrates exemplary articles of apparel for a lower torsoof a wearer having seams and/or hems bonded and/or reinforced with anexemplary elastomeric tape in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary article in the form of a shoe having aseam bonded and/or reinforced with an exemplary elastomeric tape inaccordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 8 illustrate an exemplary hem of an article where the hem is bondedand/or reinforced with an exemplary elastomeric tape in accordance withan aspect herein;

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method ofmanufacturing and using an elastomeric tape having enhanced mechanicalstretch characteristics in accordance with an aspect herein; and

FIGS. 10-16 illustrate exemplary configurations for exemplaryelastomeric tapes in accordance with aspects herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present invention is described withspecificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, thedescription itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent.Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject mattermight also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps orcombinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, inconjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover,although the terms “step” and/or “block” might be used herein to connotedifferent elements of methods employed, the terms should not beinterpreted as implying any particular order among or between varioussteps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individualsteps is explicitly stated.

Aspects herein relate to an exemplary elastomeric tape having a definedshape configuration that provides for an enhanced stretch characteristicalong the longitudinal axis of the tape in response to a stretch force.More specifically, the exemplary elastomeric tape comprises a firstsurface and a second surface opposite the first surface. In aspects, thesecond surface may have an adhesive that is activated by, for instance,heat, light, mechanical pressure, ultrasound, and the like. Continuing,the elastomeric tape may further comprise a first side and a second sideopposite the first side. Each side of the tape may have a shapeconfiguration comprising a series of alternating peaks and troughs. Asused throughout this disclosure, a “peak” may be defined as a shapehaving a general apex region that is located a first distance away froman axis longitudinally bisecting the tape, and an “trough” may bedefined as a shape having a general apex region that is located a seconddistance away from the axis longitudinally bisecting the tape, where thesecond distance is less than the first distance. Further, an “apexregion” may be defined as the region of the peak shape and the troughshape that is furthest away or closest to the longitudinal axisrespectively. The apex region may comprise a defined point or a moregeneral region in exemplary aspects.

In an exemplary configuration, a trough on the first side may be alignedacross the width of the tape with a peak on the second side, and a peakon the first side may be aligned across the width of the tape with atrough on the second side. This shape configuration combined with theinherent elasticity due to the material composition of the elastomerictape, allows the tape to be stretched to a greater length in response toa longitudinal stretch force as compared to traditional tapes where thesides are linear and in parallel alignment with each other. One reasonfor this is that the shape configuration as described provides a longerlinear distance that rotates or translates into the axis of stretch tohelp provide additional length.

The exemplary tape described herein may have a number of differentthicknesses as well as a number of different widths as measured from apeak on the first side to a peak on the second side. As well, the tapemay have a number of different tolerances as measured from a trough onthe first side to a trough on the second side. In addition, it iscontemplated herein that there may be a number of different distancesbetween adjacent peaks on each side of the tape and between adjacenttroughs on each side of the tape. It is further contemplated herein thatthere may be a number of different angles formed between adjacenttroughs.

The peaks and troughs described above, moreover, may have a number ofdifferent configurations. In one example, each peak and each trough mayterminate at a defined apex point, while in another example, the peaksand troughs may be more rounded and even assume an undulating orsinusoidal characteristic. In yet another exemplary aspect, differentgeometric shapes such as, for examples, circles, stars, triangles,squares, and the like, may be associated with the peaks to provide apleasing aesthetic appearance to the tape while still providing anenhanced stretch characteristic. Any and all such aspects, and anyvariation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

The exemplary elastomeric tape described herein may be formed from atraditional tape having sides in linear alignment by cutting the tape toform the peaks and troughs having the shape configurations described.Once cut, the exemplary elastomeric tape may be used to bond and/or toreinforce seams and/or hems of an article.

As used throughout this disclosure, the term “elastomeric tape” maycomprise a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) tape, a polyurethane (PU)tape, a silicone tape, a rubber tape, and the like. An exemplary TPUtape may be manufactured by Bemis Associates Inc. located in Shirley,Mass. The materials used to form the tape may have an inherent modulusof elasticity. The tape may be colored or uncolored and may have varyingthicknesses. Further, in exemplary aspects, the tape may have anadhesive on one of its surfaces that is used to adhere or bond the tapeto, for example, a seam or hem of an article using light, ultrasound,heat, a chemical process, mechanical pressure, and the like. In otherexemplary aspects, the tape may not have an adhesive on one of itssurfaces and, instead, may be directly bonded to the seam or hem usingthe same processes noted above. Any and all such aspects, and anyvariation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

An exemplary elastomeric tape, referenced generally by the numeral 100,is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B in accordance with aspects herein. Theexemplary tape 100 has a shape configuration that provides an enhancedstretch characteristic to the tape 100 in response to a stretch force inaccordance with aspects herein. Accordingly, the tape 100 shown in FIG.1A is in a resting, or non-stretched state. The tape 100 comprises afirst side 110 and a second side 112 opposite the first side 110. Thetape 100 further comprises a first surface and a second surface as willbe shown and discussed in relation to FIG. 2. In the exemplaryconfiguration shown in FIG. 1A, the first side 110 comprises a series ofalternating peaks referenced generally by the numeral 114 and troughsreferenced generally by the numeral 118, and the second side 112comprises a series of alternating peaks referenced generally by thenumeral 116 and troughs referenced generally by the numeral 120. Theapex region of the peaks 114, 116 and the troughs 118, 120 may bepointed (e.g., terminate at an actual point) or may be more rounded asshown in FIG. 1A. FIGS. 10-16 illustrate examples of other exemplaryconfigurations of peaks and troughs; these figures will be discussed ingreater detail below.

In the exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 1A, a trough 120 on thesecond side 112 is aligned across the width of the tape 100 with a peak114 on the first side 110. For instance, trough 117 is aligned acrossthe width of the tape with peak 113. Similarly, a trough 118 on thefirst side 110 is aligned across the width of the tape 100 with a peak116 on the second side 112. For instance, trough 115 is aligned acrossthe width of the tape 100 with peak 119. This configuration may beparticularly suited for applications to straight or non-curved seams aswell as curved or irregular seams. Reference numeral 123 indicates ahypothetical longitudinal axis that bisects the tape 100 and runs thelength of the tape 100.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the tape 100 in its non-stretched state has a width120, where the width 120 is measured from an apex of a peak 114 on thefirst side 110 to an apex of a peak 116 on the second side 112.Exemplary widths 120 may comprise, for instance, 10 millimeters (mm), 15mm, 18 mm, 20 mm, 27 mm, or 30 mm. It is contemplated, however, that theexemplary tape 100 may have a width 120 less than 10 mm, greater than 30mm, and/or have a width 120 at any value between 10 mm and 30 mm.

As also shown in FIG. 1A, the tape 100 in its non-stretched state has atolerance 121, where the tolerance 121 is measured from an apex of atrough 118 on the first side 110 to an apex of a trough 120 on thesecond side 112. Exemplary tolerances 121 may comprise, for example, 3mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, or 8 mm. It is contemplated, however, that theexemplary tape 100 may have a tolerance 121 less than 3 mm, greater than8 mm, and/or have a tolerance 121 at any value between 3 mm and 8 mm.

Continuing, the tape 100 in its non-stretched state has a distance 122between the apexes of adjacent peaks 114 and between the apexes ofadjacent peaks 116 that may comprise, for example, 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10mm, 12 mm, or 14 mm. It is contemplated, however, that the distance 122may be less than 4 mm, greater than 14 mm, and/or have a distance 122 atany value between 4 mm and 14 mm. By extension, the distance between theapexes of adjacent troughs 118 and between the apexes of adjacenttroughs 120 may be the same as the distance 122. Moreover, it iscontemplated herein that distance 122 between the adjacent peaks 114 andthe adjacent troughs 118 on the first side 110 is the same as thedistance 122 between the adjacent peaks 116 and the adjacent troughs 120on the second side 112. Reference numeral 127 indicates a peak offsetdistance between a peak 114 on the first side 110 and a peak 116 on thesecond side 112 of the tape 100. In exemplary aspects, the peak offsetdistance 127 may be approximately half of the distance 122 betweenadjacent peaks on the same side of the tape 100.

Still further, the tape 100 in its non-stretched state may have a troughangle 125 that may comprise 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50degrees, 60 degrees, or the like. The trough angle may be defined as theangle taken at the apex region of a trough. The angle 125 is the samebetween the troughs 118 and the troughs 120 in exemplary aspects. It iscontemplated herein that the angle 125 may be less than 30 degrees,greater than 60 degrees, and/or any value between 30 degrees and 60degrees.

FIG. 1B illustrates the tape 100 when a stretch force 128 is applied tothe tape 100 along its longitudinal axis 123 (shown by the arrows). Whenthe stretch force 128 is applied to the tape 100, the apexes of thepeaks 114 and 116 are drawn toward the longitudinal axis 123 therebydecreasing the width 120 of the tape 100 to a new width 124 less thanthe width 120. Continuing, the stretch force 128 further causes thedistance 122 between adjacent peaks to increase to a new distance 126greater than the distance 122. Moreover, in response to the stretchforce 128, the trough angle 125 for both sides of the tape 100 mayincrease to a new trough angle 129 that is greater than the trough angle125. Still further, the peak offset distance 127 increases to a new peakoffset distance 130 that is greater than the peak offset distance 127.The result of these actions is a reversible increase in the linearlength of the tape 100. As long as the stretch force 128 does not exceedthe modulus of elasticity of the tape 100, the tape 100 will return toits resting state as shown in FIG. 1A once the stretch force 128 isremoved. The configuration thus described makes the tape 100particularly useful for bonding and/or reinforcing seams and/or hems forwhich a degree of stretch is desired.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a side view of an exemplary tape 200 isillustrated in accordance with aspects herein. The tape 200 may comprisethe tape 100 in exemplary aspects. The tape 200 comprises a firstsurface 210 and a second surface 212. In exemplary aspects, the tape 200may have a number of different thickness between, for instance 25micrometers up to 0.40 mm. In exemplary aspects, an adhesive layer 214may be applied to the second surface 212. The adhesive layer 214, inturn, may be used to bond or affix the second surface 212 of the tape200 to an article seam or an article hem. In exemplary aspects, theadhesive layer 214 may be activated via the application of light,ultrasound, heat, pressure, or via a chemical process. Although shownwith the adhesive layer 214, it is contemplated herein, that the tape200 may not have an adhesive layer and, instead, may be directly affixedto, for example, a seam or a hem. Any and all such aspects, and anyvariation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an exemplary tape 310 used to bond and/orreinforce a seam of an article 300 in accordance with aspects herein.The exemplary tape 310 may comprise the tape 300. As shown in FIG. 3,the article 300 comprises at least a first panel of material 312 (only aportion of which is shown), and a second panel of material 314 (only aportion of which is shown). A seam 320 (shown in relief) is formed wherethe edge 316 of the first panel 312 abuts the edge 318 of the secondpanel 314. With respect to FIG. 3, the seam 320 is shown as curvedalthough it is contemplated herein that the seam 320 may be straight orirregular.

The tape 310 is shown overlying the seam 320. The tape 310 has anexemplary configuration similar to that shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B where atrough on the first side is aligned across the width of the tape 310with a peak on the second side, and a peak on the first side is alignedacross the width of the tape 310 with a trough on the second side. Thetape 310 may be adhered to the panels 312 and 314 via an adhesive layersuch as the adhesive layer 214 of FIG. 2. Alternatively, the tape 310may be directly adhered or affixed to the panels 312 and 314 without useof an adhesive layer. For instance, the tape 310 may be heat pressed toa temperature that causes the tape 310 to partially melt and adhere tothe panels 312 and 314. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof,are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view taken at the seam 320. As shown, the seam320 represents the junction of the edge 316 of the first panel 312 withthe edge 318 of the second panel 314. The exemplary elastomeric tape 310overlies the seam 320. More specifically, a surface of the tape 310overlies the seam 320 and may be affixed to the seam 320 via an adhesivelayer such as the adhesive layer 214 of FIG. 3. Although shown as havinga gap or space between the edges 316 and 318, in exemplary aspects, theedges 316 and 318 may directly touch one another, and/or one of theedges 316 or 318 may overlap the other edge 316 or 318. For instance,the edges 316 and 318 may be directly affixed to each other usingultrasonic welding. Further, in exemplary aspects, the seam 320 may besecured and or affixed using affixing technologies such as stitching oradhesives. In this instance, the tape 310 may act to reinforce thealready-affixed seam 320. In other exemplary aspects, the edges 316 and318 may only be secured and/or affixed via the tape 310. Any and allsuch aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as beingwithin the scope herein.

Examples of seams and/or hems located on articles and secured using theexemplary elastomeric tape described herein are shown in FIGS. 5A-7.FIG. 5A illustrates an article of apparel 500 for an upper torso of awearer, where the article of apparel 500 comprises at least a collarportion 510 affixed to a body portion 512 at a seam 514, where the seam514 is curved. The seam 514 is bonded and/or reinforced by anelastomeric tape 516 having an exemplary configuration as describedherein such as the exemplary configuration of the tape 100. The article500 further includes a hem 518 at its bottom margin. The hem 518 isbonded and/or reinforced by an elastomeric tape 520 having an exemplaryconfiguration as described herein such as the exemplary configuration ofthe tape 100. Although shown on the external-facing surface of thearticle 500 for aesthetic appeal, it is contemplated herein that the hem518 may face inward and the tape 520 may be located on an inner-facingsurface of the article of apparel 500.

FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary sleeve of the article of apparel 600,where the sleeve has a hem 522 that is bonded and/or reinforced by anelastomeric tape 524 having an exemplary configuration as describedherein such as the exemplary configuration of the tape 100. A close-upview of a hem that is bonded and/or reinforced by the exemplaryelastomeric tape described herein is shown in FIG. 8 and is referencedgenerally by the numeral 800. A textile material 810 is shown as beingfolded over onto itself to form a hem line 814. The hem line 814 may beaffixed using an exemplary elastomeric tape 812 as described herein suchas the tape 100. In exemplary aspects, the hem 814 may be secured usingonly the elastomeric tape 812, while in other aspects, the hem 814 maybe secured using, for example, stitching, welding, and/or an adhesiveand the elastomeric tape 812 may be used to further reinforce the hem814. The hem 814 may be located on any portion of an article.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate exemplary articles of apparel for a lower torsoof a wearer. Referring to FIG. 6A, the article of apparel 600 comprisesat least a front panel 610 affixed to a back panel 612 by a curved seam614. The seam 614 is shown as being bonded or reinforced by anelastomeric tape 616 having an exemplary configuration as describedherein such as the exemplary configuration of the tape 100. The shapeconfiguration of the tape 616 enables its surface to be fully adherentto the seam 614 throughout the length of the seam 614. This is becausethe peaks and troughs of the tape 616 are able to flex such that thetape conforms to the curved shape of the seam 614. Although the tape 616is shown as being located on the external-facing surface of the apparelitem 600 for aesthetic appeal, it is contemplated herein that the tape616 may be located on the internal-facing surface of the apparel item600.

Apparel item 650 in FIG. 6B is also in the form of a short having a hem618 that is bonded and/or reinforced by an exemplary elastomeric tape620 having the shape configuration described herein such as the shapeconfiguration associated with the tape 100. Although the tape 620 isshown as being located on the external-facing surface of the apparelitem 650, it is contemplated herein that the tape 620 may also belocated on the inner-facing surface of the apparel item 650.

FIG. 6C illustrates an article of apparel 675 for a lower torso of awearer, where the article 675 comprises at least a front panel 622affixed to a back panel 624 by a straight seam 626. The seam 626 isshown as being bonded or reinforced by an exemplary elastomeric tape 628having an exemplary configuration described herein such as the exemplaryconfiguration of the tape 100. As previously mentioned, theconfiguration associated with the tape 100 is suited to impart a degreeof stretch to seams and or hems regardless of whether the seam and/orhem is straight or curved. Although the tape 628 is shown as beinglocated on the external-facing surface of the apparel item 675 foraesthetic appeal, it is contemplated herein that the tape 628 may belocated on the internal-facing surface of the apparel item 675.

FIG. 7 illustrates an article in the form of a shoe 700. The shoe 700may be in the form of an athletic shoe, a dress shoe, and the like. Theshoe 700 comprises at least a first panel 710 affixed to a second endpanel 712 by a seam 714. The seam 714 is shown as being bonded orreinforced by an exemplary elastomeric tape 716 having an exemplaryconfiguration described herein such as the exemplary configuration ofthe tape 100. Although the tape 716 is shown as being located on theexternal-facing surface of the shoe 700, it is contemplated herein thatthe tape 716 may be located on the internal-facing surface of the shoe700. Moreover, with respect to an article in the form of a shoe, such asthe shoe 700, the exemplary elastomeric tape described herein mayfurther be utilized as a lace or may be utilized on seams located ondifferent areas of the shoe than that shown in FIG. 7.

The different articles shown in FIGS. 5A-7 are exemplary only. It iscontemplated herein that the articles shown in these figures may takedifferent forms such as a long-sleeved shirt, a pull-over, a tank-top, ajacket or coat, a camisole, a swim top, and the like for the article ofapparel for an upper torso, and may take the form of a pant, a capri, ahalf-pant, a three-quarter pant, a tight, and the like for the articleof apparel for a lower torso. Further, articles contemplated herein mayfurther include articles such as hats, hoods, socks, gloves, mittens,totes, backpacks, duffle bags, purses, and the like. Any and all suchaspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within thescope herein.

FIGS. 10-16 illustrate exemplary configurations for peaks and troughsassociated with exemplary elastomeric tapes described herein such as thetape 100. The variations in widths of the tapes, tolerances of thetapes, peak offsets, trough angles, and distances between adjacent peaksand troughs discussed above with respect to the exemplary tape 100 areequally applicable to the tapes shown in FIGS. 10-16.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary elastomeric tape 1000 having a shapeconfiguration where each peak 1010 and each trough 1012 terminates at anapex point. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 10, the tolerance 1014 asmeasured between a trough 1012 on a first side of the tape 1000 and atrough 1012 on the second side of the tape 1000 may be negligible oreven non-existent although it is contemplated herein that the tolerancemay comprise one of the values discussed above.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary elastomeric tape 1100 having a shapeconfiguration where the peaks 1110 and the troughs 1112 are flattenedout as compared to the tape 100. In other words, the trough angle forthe tape 1100 may be greater than the trough angle of other exemplaryconfigurations. FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary elastomeric tape 1200having a shape configuration where the peaks 1210 and the troughs 1212assume an undulating or sinusoidal configuration.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary elastomeric tape 1300 where each peak1310 terminates in a circular structure. The tape 1300 may have anaesthetic appeal that makes it suitable for use on an external-facingsurface of an article while still maintaining its enhanced stretchcharacteristic.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary elastomeric tape 1400 where each peak1410 terminates in a triangular structure. Similar to the tape 1300, thetape 1400 may have an aesthetic appeal that makes it suitable for use onan external-facing surface of an article while still maintaining itsenhanced stretch and/or flexion characteristics.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary elastomeric tape 1500 where each peak1510 is notched. FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary elastomeric tape 1600where each peak 1610 has a pair of apex points and each trough 1612 hasa configuration similar to that associated with the tape 100. Theconfigurations depicted in FIGS. 10-16 are exemplary only and it iscontemplated herein that the apex shapes and the trough shapes mayassume a variety of different appearances without departing from thescope described herein.

Turning now to FIG. 9, a flow diagram is illustrated of an exemplarymethod 900 of manufacturing an elastomeric tape having an enhancedstretch characteristic. At a step 910 an elastomeric tape having atraditional configuration is provided where the elastomeric tapecomprises a first planar surface, a second planar surface opposite thefirst surface, a first side, and a second side opposite the first sidewhere the first and second sides are linear and are in parallelalignment with each other.

At a step 912, the elastomeric tape provided in the step 910 is cut suchthat the first side comprises a series of alternating peaks and troughsand the second side comprises a series of alternating peaks and troughs.In an exemplary aspect, the tape may be cut such that a peak on thefirst side is aligned across the width of the tape with a trough on thesecond side, and a trough on the first side is aligned across the widthof the tape with a peak on the second side. This configuration isexemplified by the tape 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. Cutting may occur via adie-cutter that has two complementary die-cutting wheels. In aspects,cutting may also occur via other processes such as laser cutting,hydro-jet cutting, hand cutting, and the like.

At a step 914, the cut tape, or a portion of the cut tape may be appliedto a one or more seams or hems of an article such as the articles shownin FIGS. 5A-7. Prior to application, the cut tape may be re-rolled andfed into a tape dispenser. As such, application of the tape to the seamor hem may occur via the tape dispenser. At a step 916, the tape may beactivated to adhere the tape to the seam or hem in order to bond and/orreinforce the seam or hem. Activation may occur via heat, light,ultrasound, mechanical pressure, a chemical process, and the like.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that aspects herein are well adaptedto attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together withother advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to thestructure. It will be understood that certain features andsubcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference toother features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and iswithin the scope of the claims. Since many possible aspects may be madewithout departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood thatall matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is tobe interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. An elastomeric tape having one or more of anenhanced stretch characteristic along a longitudinal axis of theelastomeric tape, the elastomeric tape comprising: a first surface; asecond surface opposite the first surface; a first side having a shapeconfiguration comprising a first series of alternating peaks andtroughs; and a second side having a shape configuration comprising asecond series of alternating peaks and troughs.
 2. The elastomeric tapeof claim 1, wherein a peak on the second side is aligned across a widthof the elastomeric tape with a trough on the first side, and a trough onthe second side is aligned across the width of the elastomeric tape witha peak on the first side.
 3. The elastomeric tape of claim 1, whereinthe width of the elastomeric tape taken between a first peak on thefirst side and a first peak on the second side comprises one of 10 mm,15 mm, 18 mm, 20 mm, 27 mm, or 30 mm.
 4. The elastomeric tape of claim1, wherein a distance between a first peak on the first side and asecond, adjacent peak on the first side comprises one of 10 mm, 12 mm,14 mm, 16 mm, 18 mm, or 20 mm.
 5. The elastomeric tape of claim 4,wherein a distance between a first peak on the second side and a second,adjacent peak on the second side comprises one of 10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm,16 mm, 18 mm, or 20 mm.
 6. The elastomeric tape of claim 5, wherein thedistance between the first peak on the first side and the second,adjacent peak on the first side is the same as the distance between thefirst peak on the second side and the second, adjacent peak on thesecond side.
 7. The elastomeric tape of claim 1, wherein a tolerance ofthe elastomeric tape taken between a first trough on the first side anda first trough on the second side comprises one of 3 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm,or 8 mm.
 8. The elastomeric tape of claim 1, wherein the peaks and thetroughs of the first and second sides are pointed at their apexes. 9.The elastomeric tape of claim 1, wherein the peaks and the troughs ofthe first and second sides are rounded at their apexes.
 10. Theelastomeric tape of claim 1, wherein an adhesive is deposited on thesecond surface of the elastomeric tape.
 11. A method of manufacturing anelastomeric tape having an enhanced mechanical stretch characteristic,the method comprising: providing an elastomeric tape having a firstsurface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first side, anda second side, wherein the first side and the second side are linear andare in parallel alignment with each other; and cutting the elastomerictape such that the first side has a shape configuration comprising afirst series of alternating peaks and troughs and the second side has ashape configuration comprising a second series of alternating peaks andtroughs.
 12. The method of manufacture of claim 11, wherein theelastomeric tape is cut such that such that a peak on the second side isaligned across a width of the elastomeric tape with a trough on thefirst side and a trough on the second side is aligned across the widthof the elastomeric tape with a peak on the first side.
 13. The method ofmanufacture of claim 12, wherein prior to being cut, the elastomerictape stretches to a first degree in response to a fixed stretch force,and wherein subsequent to being cut, the elastomeric tape stretches to asecond degree in response to the fixed stretch force, wherein the seconddegree of stretch is greater than the first degree of stretch.
 14. Themethod of manufacturing of claim 11, further comprising subsequent tocutting the elastomeric tape, positioning the tape within a tapedispenser.
 15. The method of manufacture of claim 14, furthercomprising: applying at least a portion of the cut elastomeric tape toone or more seams or one or more hems of an article using the tapedispenser; and activating the portion of the cut elastomeric tape suchthat the portion of the cut elastomeric tape is adhered to the one ormore seams or the one or more hems.
 16. The method of manufacture ofclaim 15, wherein the elastomeric tape is activated using at least oneof heat, light, ultrasound, mechanical pressure, or a chemical process.17. An article having an elastomeric tape that provides an enhancedmechanical stretch characteristic at one or more seams or hems of thearticle, the article comprising: a first panel of material; a secondpanel of material, where the second panel of material abuts the firstpanel of material at least one seam; and an elastomeric tape used toaffix the first panel of material to the second panel of material at theat least one seam, the elastomeric tape having a shape configurationcomprising: a first surface; a second surface opposite the firstsurface, wherein the second surface is affixed to the first panel andthe second panel at the seam; a first side having a shape configurationcomprising a first series of alternating peaks and troughs; and a secondside having a shape configuration comprising a second series ofalternating peaks and troughs on the second side.
 18. The article ofclaim 17, wherein the at least one seam is curved, and wherein anentirety of the second surface of the elastomeric tape is adherent tothe at least one seam throughout the seam's length.
 19. The article ofclaim 17, wherein the article further comprises one or more hem linesand wherein the elastomeric tape is used to reinforce the one or morehem lines.
 20. The article of claim 18, wherein the article comprisesone of a shoe, an apparel item for an upper torso of a wearer, or anapparel item for a lower torso of the wearer.